Grade 2 Multiplication: Equal Groups

Worked examples

Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.

1. Example 1

   There are 4 nests. Each nest has 3 eggs. How many eggs are there in all?

   1. There are 4 nests with 3 eggs in each nest. Every nest has the same number, so these are equal groups.
   2. Add 3 for each nest (skip count by 3: 3, 6, 9, 12): 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12.
   3. Adding equal groups is multiplying: 4 × 3 = 12.
   4. There are 12 eggs in all.

   Answer: 12

2. Example 2

   There are 3 baskets. Each basket has 4 oranges. How many oranges are there in all?

   1. There are 3 baskets with 4 oranges in each basket. Every basket has the same number, so these are equal groups.
   2. Add 4 for each basket (skip count by 4: 4, 8, 12): 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
   3. Adding equal groups is multiplying: 3 × 4 = 12.
   4. There are 12 oranges in all.

   Answer: 12

3. Example 3

   There are 3 bowls. Each bowl has 5 grapes. How many grapes are there in all?

   1. There are 3 bowls with 5 grapes in each bowl. Every bowl has the same number, so these are equal groups.
   2. Add 5 for each bowl (skip count by 5: 5, 10, 15): 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.
   3. Adding equal groups is multiplying: 3 × 5 = 15.
   4. There are 15 grapes in all.

   Answer: 15